GORDON WALKER, FUHS 1937

Walker, Gordon June 7, 1919 - December 4, 2010 Gordon Walker of Anaheim, died peacefully in his sleep on December 4, 2010, at the age of 91 years. Gordon was born in Buffalo, NY, the youngest child of Albert and Katharine Stauffer Walker. He lived in western New York State until age 7, when his family moved to Beloit, WI. In 1932, his family settled in California, where his parents owned the Twin Olives Ranch in Yorba Linda, raising chickens and oranges. Gordon was a graduate of Fullerton Union High School (Class of '37) and Fullerton Junior College (Class of '39). He attended the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in organic chemistry, and graduating with honors in 1941. While living on the ranch, Gordon was active in Scouting. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and became the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 100 in Placentia. He was proud of his part in forming Senior Scout Troop 13, a forerunner of the Orange County Explorer Scout Program. He was also active in DeMolay. After graduation from Berkeley he went to work for Shell Oil Company in Martinez, CA, as a chemist/petroleum engineer. He was instrumental in developing 100-octane fuel for the Army Air Corps. During World War II, Gordon established a pen-pal relationship with Anne McWhinnie of Glasgow, Scotland. They became engaged through the mail, and as soon after the war as possible, she came to Martinez. On February 4, 1946, just three weeks after her arrival, they were married at the Twin Olives Ranch and returned to Martinez, where they started their family. In 1951, Gordon transferred to a refinery in Southern California. He accepted a position in 1956 with Douglas Aircraft (later McDonnell Douglas), where he specialized in fuels and lubricants. In 1975, he became the Director of the Chemical and Environmental Division of an independent testing laboratory in Los Angeles. Three years later, he rejoined the aerospace industry at General Dynamics, where he headed a group that published all the procedures and materials specifications for the factory's missile production. In 1991, Gordon retired and was kept busy with his family and volunteer work for the American Cancer Society . Although Gordon was a loving and devoted caregiver, his dear wife's dementia had progressed to the point where, in 2002, she had to go into a nursing home, where she still resides. In 2004, Gordon moved to Emerald Court Retirement Residence, where he was very happy and made many new friends. Gordon's greatest accomplishments were being a loving and selfless husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The world has lost a true gentleman and a truly gentle man. He walked the walk as well as talking the talk, and he always led by example. What a legacy he has left us! He was honest and upright, and he left this world being right with his God, his family, and his fellow man. We will miss you, Dad (Grandpa), but we will always carry your strength, your love, your smile, and your laughter with us. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Anne; five children, Douglas (Joe Brooks), Linda (Bruce Houseman), Keith (Jimi), Alan (Patti) and Craig (Debbie); ten grandchildren, Scott (Alexandra), Bernadette (Billie), Mark (Allison), Emily Beth, Colin, Jeffrey (Malia), Kathryn, Emily Louise, Bradford, and Hannah; and eight great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Evan, Mikayla, Tyler, Noah, William, Hailey and Madeline; and many extended family members in the United States and Great Britain. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor; and his brother, Matthew. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 838 North Euclid Street, Fullerton, CA on Saturday, December 18, at 11 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society (1940 East Deere Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Ana, California 92705-5718 or www.cancer.org) or to the Alzheimer's Association (17771 Cowan, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614-6067 or www.alz.org/oc) would be appreciated by the family.
McAulay & Wallace Mortuary
Published in Orange County Register on December 12, 2010
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Gordon was the Pow Wow class rep for his class and attended the luncheon every year. We will all miss him.